U.S. rule leaves comedian and his puppy stuck in Egypt

A USDA rule requiring many dogs entering the U.S. to be at least six months old meant comedian Ben Jenkins and his three-month-old pug, Croissant, are staying in Cairo until the pup reaches six months.

Ben Jenkins, a comedian from Brooklyn, planned a two-and-a-half-week trip to Cairo in early January and brought his three-month-old pug, Croissant. He discovered before returning that a United States Department of Agriculture rule requires many dogs entering the U.S. to be at least six months old. That rule, announced as taking effect on Aug. 1, 2024, made Croissant ineligible to reenter the United States at his current age. Jenkins adjusted his travel and living arrangements and is staying in Cairo until the pup reaches six months. What is reported: - Jenkins posted a TikTok on Jan. 27 explaining the situation; the video received over 2 million views. - Croissant is three months old and was able to fly into Egypt, but the USDA rule bars many dogs under six months from entering the U.S., and additional vaccination and documentation requirements apply. - The rule took effect Aug. 1, 2024, according to the report. - Jenkins secured short-term housing through a friend and rebooked a return flight with Egypt Air, planning to remain until the end of March when Croissant turns six months. - A New York City veterinarian had cleared Croissant for outbound travel but did not flag the U.S. re-entry restriction. Summary: USDA age and documentation requirements for dogs entering the United States altered Jenkins's travel plans and extended his stay in Cairo. Jenkins and Croissant are reported to remain in Egypt through the end of March, when the puppy will meet the stated age requirement to return.